Perceptions of media influence and self -enhancement motivation: Testing self -enhancement explanation for third -person and first -person perceptions.

摘要

The present study explored the self-enhancement explanation for third-person and first-person perceptions in an experimental setting. Three main research questions were examined: (1) the effect of self-motivation on perceptions of media effects; (2) the role of self-esteem in evaluating media influences; and (3) the question of whether people estimate beneficial media influences in ways that are consistent with the ego-enhancive mechanism or the ego-defensive mechanism.;In Experiment 1, self-enhancement motivation was manipulated by threats to self-worth. The literature suggested that threats to self-worth increase self-enhancement needs for securing a positive self-view. To explore this suggestion, participants received either a threat to their cognitive ability or a threat to their sense of compassion. They then evaluated media effects on themselves and media effects on others. Third-person perceptions did not vary by threat to self-worth. However, negative effects on the self decreased as self-esteem increased when participants were under threats. First-person perceptions did not vary by threat to self-worth, either. However, under a threat to sense of compassion, self-esteem level negatively correlated with perceived positive effects on the self and on others, which is consistent with the self-enhancement perspective operating through the ego-defensive mechanism.;In Experiment 2, self-enhancement motivation was compared with self-assessment motivation in terms of their effects on perceptions of media influences. Self-assessment motivation is thought to decrease needs for self-enhancement. To prime self-enhancement motivation (high need for self-enhancement condition) or self-assessment motivation (low need for self-enhancement condition), participants were asked to describe their personal experiences that had led them to satisfy one of both motivations. Third-person and first-person perceptions did not vary by the extent of self-enhancement motivation.;The findings of this suggested that needs for self-enhancement play a role in people's perceptions of media influences. However, people who are high in self-esteem may enhance their positive self-views more evidently than do people who are low in self-esteem. In a first-person perceptions context, it appears that people perceive media influences in a way that is consistent with the ego-defensive mechanism. Alternative explanations for null findings, implications of significant findings, and suggestions for future research are also discussed.